By Karen Watson Reeves
Chair Pose. When I cue students into this position, there are a few who will grimace, growl or even audibly complain. They do not like chair pose! It is intense. It is challenging. And the Sanskrit translation from Utkatasana (fierce or powerful pose) makes sense!
When I was teaching a children’s class, I commented that adults are not too fond of this pose and they wonder why it is called “chair,” because, after all, are chairs not supposed to be comfy and restful? The eight-year-old girl right in front of me responded, “Ms. Karen, YOU are the chair!” Well, of course, no wonder the pose must be so powerful!
So–besides practicing being powerful and being the chair, why else would an instructor add this pose to so many class sequences? Here are just a few of the many benefits of Utkatasana:
~Helps to correct poor posture. Watch people around you, sitting slouched over computers, desks, and tables or standing or walking in a stooped position. Practicing chair pose helps rectify bad posture, thus improving body alignment, which in turn eliminates back and neck pain.
~Tones leg muscles. Tired, achy legs can include feelings of stiffness, varicose veins, strain, etc. Chair Pose helps tone tired legs by improving circulation and stretching and strengthening the legs.
~Strengthens ankles, calves, thighs, hip flexors, and spine. That’s a lot of strengthening, right? But when one is holding this pose, there is no doubt about it! This pose is “fierce,” the lower body and hips get strong!
~Stretches shoulders. Flexible shoulders keep the joints, ligaments, and muscles less prone to injury and improve overall body strength, as the shoulders help with everyday tasks such as lifting.
~Stimulates the heart, diaphragm, and abdominal organs. When these muscles and organs are healthy, they are functioning in an optimal state. The heart rate increases as this pose is held, so the breathing speeds up, allowing more intake of oxygen. The heart pumps extra nutrients to the muscles.
~Practicing this intense, powerful Chair Pose can unearth your fiery side. Get strong and healthy as you practice Chair Pose with cheer!
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle.
